Pittsburgh Steelers tight end, Pat Freiermuth spoke to the media after the 24-17 win over the Indianapolis Colts on Monday Night Football in Indy. Freiermuth, who only had 3 receptions for 39 yards in the Week 12 victory, credited the win to a whole team effort. The fact that the Steelers have struggled this year with a lot of close games and late losses is not a secret. It appears the offense might be headed in the right direction.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
If Pittsburgh wins next week in Atlanta against the Falcons, it will be two wins in a row, their longest win streak of the season thus far.
Freiermuth addressed the media in the locker room after the win and said:
"Better be a good time to start stacking wins. We're in a good position right now to stack them and we've got to continue that."
From your lips to the football gods' ears 'Muth, fans couldn't agree more.
Steelers' Freiermuth Key to Victory
Freiermuth has been an integral part of almost any success the Steelers have had on offense this year. He not only catches and runs the ball well, but is also a solid blocker.
Monday night was no different. While his stats aren't making headlines, his play certainly should. Freiermuth has a knack for being where he is needed, exactly when he is needed, and coming up with a play. His football instincts are outstanding. During the 2nd quarter, he was able to gain 10 yards on a 2 and 12. These kinds of plays are critical and are what the offense has been lacking. It makes for a much more manageable 3rd down situation that ultimately became a touchdown by running back, Najee Harris.
During the 4th quarter, he had his biggest play of the game, a 17-yard gain. That pickup helped Benny Snell, who was subbing in for an injured Jaylen Warren, make the game-winning touchdown. Freiermuth and his strong hands are a huge part of why the Steeler run game is improving week to week. His quick thinking and ability to help extend plays are something that cannot be defined by simple statistics, but you only have to watch a few plays to see the impact.
Freiermuth has become a favorite target of rookie quarterback, Kenny Pickett, and has been getting more and more opportunities.
Pat Freiermuth in 2022:
— Tommy Jaggi (@TommyJaggi) November 22, 2022
🔸75+ yards in 4 of 8 full games played
🔸11.0 yards per reception
🔸8th-ranked TE via PFF (6th among TEs with 200+ snaps)
🔸6th-best receiving grade
He's done this with shaky QB play, a poor offensive game plan, and despite being injured in Weeks 5-6.
Pat on Pickett
Freiermuth was also asked about the win in relation to Pickett. He noted that the young quarterback has been in these come-from-behind situations before, but acknowledged that doing it in college is not quite like the pros. He noted that being able to rally and get the win will help to build Pickett's confidence.
The Steelers head to Atlanta Sunday after a short week. Freiermuth echoes the sentiments of everyone in Steeler Nation hoping for the start of their first win streak of the season. This win won't come easily, nothing this season seems to, but it is a positive sign to see some momentum and confidence starting to build. Freiermuth will be there putting in the hard work wherever he is needed and trying to score his 2nd touchdown of the season (1st came Week 2).
Head Coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday in his press conference that he expects his players to try to put "8 pounds of work in a 5-pound bag." We definitely see this hard work coming from the young offense. It is a relief to see some sparks of life from the black and gold
What do you think is Pat Freiermuth's best attribute? What has been his best play of the season? How do you think the team will fare in Atlanta? Click to comment below.
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